Esquimalt MLA, Mitzi Dean, and Mayor Barb Desjardins are set to ring the market bell to open Esquimalt Farmers Market’s (EFM) first outdoor market of the summer season on Thursday May 24th at 4:30 pm. This is the fourth season of the successful market, which was awarded the title of Best Mid-sized Farmers Market in British Columbia for 2017 by the BC Association of Farmers Markets.

The outdoor market in Memorial Park (1230 Esquimalt Road) is held on Thursdays from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm from May 24th to September 13th. EFM is a food first market which promotes and supports local food systems and waste reduction.

EFM is praised as a family friendly gathering place, and a highly anticipated feature of the community every week through the summer. Katrina Dwulit, EFM’s Market Manager, Executive Director & Founder, also won BCAFM’s Farmers’ Market Manager of the Year Award, 2017. She is a founding member of the market and 2018 will be her fourth season serving as manager.

The EFM team and the community are excited for another great year. The Market has become a go-to place for great food, community and fun. “It’s such a beautiful thing on Market days to see the smiling faces of the community gathering, building relationships, supporting local makers/bakers/growers and engaging in a sustainable access to food. Esquimalt has great spirit, and this Market fits perfectly!” said Dwulit.

The 2018 market season has a great line-up of vendors and entertainment and will continue with successful programs such as food hamper for the Esquimalt Neighbourhood House and Rainbow Kitchen and the BCSPCA Barking Lot (for dog minding). EFM is also a proud new member of BCAFM's Coupon Nutrition Program, in part because of the wonderful new government funding! Thank you's to Minister's Dix & Popham for their efforts!

This year EFM is going to be stepping up waste free initiatives by encouraging vendors and shoppers to work together to reduce our waste footprint. Remember to bring your own service ware, cutlery, cloth napkin and refillable drink container for meals, plus reusable bags and produce bags for shopping!

Along with many vendors selling fresh produce, starter plants, prepared foods, beer, wine and crafts, the May 24th line-up also includes: